MELAKA: Fifteen cancer survivors took to the catwalk at the Ames Hotel here on Saturday (Oct 21) to raise awareness and share their stories.

44-year-old breast cancer survivor Khairusafinaz Tumiran shared how most of her family members had been diagnosed with the disease or succumbed to it.

"It is like a norm for me to hear that one of my relatives has been diagnosed with cancer each year," she said, adding that her family members had demonstrated unwavering strength since being diagnosed with cancer.

"We have a strong foundation of love in the face of adversity by being resilient during our challenging journey.

"The disease has tested the bonds of our love and we have grown to accept our fate as well as keeping ourselves stronger," she said.

Khairusafinaz said she first was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and at first felt sad and refused to accept her fate.

"However, I have learned to battle against this formidable adversary over the years," she said.

Khairusafinaz, who is from Johor Baru, said her husband also suffered from a stroke and faced countless hurdles, from the emotional strain of chemotherapy to the financial burdens.

"Despite our difficulties, I am grateful for the blessing of having good friends around who give me inspiration and support in my time of need," she said, adding that she has no plans to have children due to her medical condition.

Khairusafinaz used to manage an eatery here but decided to discontinue her business after both her husband and her were struck by ailments.

The Cancer Survivors Catwalk event was organised by Ames Hotel and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) on Saturday (Oct 21).

Sheng Tai International group financial officer Tyson See and Pantai Hospital consultant general and colorectal surgeon Dr G. Shankar Gunarasa were among the guests at the event.

The event was also attended by NCSM managing director Dr M. Murallitharan and Ames Hotel general manager Jason R. Bak.